Chapter 5 Past Trauma

Shadows of the past always haunt my peace and often follow me into my dreams.

"You must obey me!"

"No, Father! Don't!"

The disturbing voice echoed in my ears. I woke up and glanced at the clock; it was already late at night.

"It was just a dream! It's all over now!" I whispered, trying to calm myself.

Not long after, I heard the sound of my husband's car entering the garage. I remained silent, not greeting him, because he was with Rara. That woman clearly knew how to take care of my husband well. I pulled the blanket back over myself and closed my eyes, trying to sleep.

"Take a rest, Ra. We'll go tomorrow," I heard Feri's voice as he escorted Rara to her room. This house was so small that I could hear their conversation from my room.

"Alright," Rara replied briefly. I stayed silent as Feri entered and opened the door.

Creak...

The door opened, and I sighed deeply, closing my eyes again with a sense of anxiety.

Thud!

I felt Feri lying down behind me. Slowly, he touched my hair and embraced me. Instinctively, I resisted and sat up, facing him.

"What's wrong?" Feri smiled and glanced at a food box on the coffee table.

"Eat up; I brought something for you," he said briefly. I remained silent, staring at the food he had brought before walking over to it. Feri followed me.

"I'm not hungry," I said, glancing at him briefly, then added,

"Oh, Ina, are you sure you don't want to come with us?" he asked. Reflexively, I shook my head. Feri sighed heavily and sat beside me. Instinctively, I moved away as he sat down.

"I'm going away for a week, and I'll definitely miss you. Be careful at home," he said. I nodded and gave him a faint, warm smile. Feri moved closer and gazed into my eyes. I shivered and instinctively turned my face away as his face came closer.

"You can go to Rara's room now. I want to rest," I said, turning my face away. Feri snorted and suddenly kissed my forehead. I froze, feeling him steal that moment.

"I'm going now," he said briefly. I only nodded in silence. Feri stood up and hesitated as he walked to the door. His steps paused as he held the doorknob.

"Sweetheart, don't forget to eat the food," he said. I could only nod, glancing at the food box.

After Feri left, I felt restless and couldn't sleep.

I sat back down, trying to calm myself.

Rara's presence in this house had indeed changed the atmosphere. I couldn't understand why my mood was so unsettled.

After a few hours, the night grew deeper.

I felt thirsty and hungry, so I took the food box Feri had brought and carried it to the dining room.

I saw that Feri had ordered my favorite food. He always remembered everything about me, even my favorite dishes.

I hadn't eaten all day because I had no appetite, knowing he went out with Rara.

For some reason, I felt that Feri had been thinking about me all day as well.

"He's so kind, the only one who cares about me," I muttered, slowly spooning the food.

I knew Feri was now sleeping in Rara's embrace, and I tried not to make noise in the kitchen.

After finishing my meal, I walked to the living room and was surprised to see Feri sleeping outside.

I had thought he would be in Rara's room.

I approached him and knelt by the sofa, looking at my husband's peaceful face. He looked much more handsome asleep on the sofa. I adjusted his blanket and noticed something in his hand.

My husband was holding something against his chest-a blue photo frame.

I picked it up and instinctively flipped it over.

Instantly, I was moved to see that the frame contained a picture of our wedding day.

Feri was smiling in the picture; I could remember how happy he was that day.

"Today, I'm so happy, Ina. You're my wife now. I'll make you my one and only love until death do us part,"

Feri's words on our wedding day brought tears to my eyes.

I reached for my husband's hand, holding it tightly, and kissed it.

"Feri, I love you. I'm sorry for not being the perfect wife for you," I whispered softly, leaning closer to kiss his forehead.

Feeling my tears fall on his face, Feri woke up.

"Ina? What's wrong?"

"Why are you sleeping here?" I asked.

Feri looked confused, rubbed his face, and glanced at the clock.

"Why are you still awake? Do you know what time it is?"

"I thought you were in Rara's room," I continued.

"Why would I be in Rara's room? She's not my wife. I only go to her when I need to," he explained.

I took a deep breath and hugged him tightly. Feri returned the embrace and whispered in my ear.

"I'm so sad that you won't even share a bed with me."

"Oh, really? Why?"

"You sleep holding our wedding photo?"

"I'm fragile, Ina. I'm disappointed in you."

I looked deeply into my husband's eyes.

"Why can't you love me?"

"You're wrong. I do love you," I asserted.

Feri took my hand and said,

"If you loved me, you wouldn't have asked me to sleep with another woman!"

"This is because of my helplessness, Feri! I thought it was the best for you, for your happiness."

"Are you sure it made me happy?"

"At least, for your needs."

"It's you who feels burdened by my needs, Ina."

I fell silent, lowering my head.

"My conclusion is, you don't love me."

"That's not true, Feri."

"I want you to be jealous of Rara."

I swallowed hard.

"I can't be jealous of her. I feel I should thank her."

Feri sighed and leaned against the sofa, looking despairingly at the ceiling. He rubbed his face and looked back at me.

"What if it wasn't Rara? Someone else could take me from you. Are you ready to lose me?"

I reflexively shook my head.

"I can't lose you, Feri."

"But you're torturing me with this situation."

I furrowed my brows.

"But the fact is, you brought Rara here anyway. That's because you needed to, right? Don't act like it's all my fault when you wanted it too."

"This was at your request!" he said firmly.

I fell silent.

"What's done is done. Rara is here now, and besides, she's a decent woman," I added.

Feri sighed again.

"For now, let's rest. You need to be at the office tomorrow."

"Are you inviting me to bed?"

"Yes, just to sleep. You can't rest comfortably here."

"Is that so?"

I nodded.

"Are you ready this time?"

"No, I mean, go to our room, but promise me, just to sleep."

"Hhh... Alright, my love."

He smiled at me, stroking my cheek gently.

"You know, Ina, your eyes are so beautiful."

Hearing that, I blushed and smiled shyly.